RHP Stephen Strasburg to have Tommy John Surgery, out for 2010 & 2011

As if things could not get any worse for the Washington Nationals.

Since being pulled from his start last Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies with an apparent forearm injury, a flexor strain, Nat's rookie right-hander Stephen Strasburg has been the topic of the week, with fans wondering what the prognosis was on the true injury.

It was the words no one, baseball and Nationals fans alike, wanted to hear.

Tommy John Surgery.

After receiving an MRI, it was found that Strasburg had a significant tear of his ulnar collateral ligament, a tendon found in his pitching elbow. The injury will require Tommy John Surgery, a procedure which can often keep players from the game for a year or longer. TJS is a dangerous surgery and can often be a death sentence for pitchers, as some never regain the caliber that they once had. However, 75% of elite pitchers come back with the same talent or can be even better. Such examples are A.J. Burnett, Chris Carpenter and John Smoltz.

Strasburg is finished for the 2010 season and will almost undoubtedly pitch during the 2011 season, in order to recover from the injury.

"I look at the bright side," Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo said. "Tommy John surgery is a surgery that we've had great success at. The success rate for guys coming back from Tommy John and retaining their stuff is very good."

Now the question is being asked: Is Stephen Strasburg the next Mark Prior?

Prior, who also was from San Diego and was a first round draft pick by the Chicago Cubs, had the same hype as Strasburg: The next best pitcher in baseball. However injuries plagued Prior's career, and the league never got to see the pitcher everyone imagined. This however, all came before the act of innings limits and pitch counts...

The Nationals defined the term "babying" with Strasburg.

Washington kept him on strict innings limits and pitch counts, and, before the injury, were planning to shut him down sometime during the season when he hit his limit. The injury, apparently, came on one pitch, so it's hard to say that the Nationals' protection of Strasburg is the cause. Some think his being "rushed" to the majors could be the cause of the injury, due the significant difference between the minors and majors, most notably stressful innings. However, with a pitcher like Strasburg, who throws incredibly hard on every pitch and has a violent windup, some thought the injury was inevitable.

"The player was developed and cared for in the correct way, and things like this happen," Rizzo said. "Pitchers break down, pitchers get hurt and we certainly are not second-guessing ourselves. ... Frustrated? Yes. But second-guessing ourselves? No."

The #1 overall pick in last year's draft, and owner of the highest contract ever given to a drafted player, Strasburg has established himself as the ace of the Nationals's pitching staff, going 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 12 starts, as well as striking out 92 in 68 innings. It all started with an amazing debut, when Strasburg, 22, struck out 14 batters in his first start.

Thus the beginning of Strasburg-mania.

Should he be an All-Star?
Rookie of the Year in the National League?
Does he have a shot at the Cy Young?
Is he a bust?
Is he the real deal?

All of those questions, now silenced.

At least until 2012.

It's a huge blow to baseball and a huge blow the Nationals' franchise. We can only hope that Strasburg can come back stronger than he was this season and his recovery will be quick and clean.

Albert Pujols hits 400th home run, 3rd youngest to milestone

Albert Pujols, 30, of the St. Louis Cardinals hit his 34th home run of the season tonight against the Washington Nationals, giving him 400 home runs for his career. Pujols became the 47th player to reach 400 homers, but was the third-youngest (30, 222 days) to accomplish the feat, trailing Alex Rodriguez (29, 316 days) and Ken Griffey Jr. (30, 141 days).

The Cardinals fell to Washington 11-10 in 13 innings.

Pujols, who has been deemed the best player in the sport for most of the past decade and debuted in 2001, has hit 32 or more home runs each of his 10 seasons in the major leagues. He also has driven in 103 RBIs or more in each of his first 9 seasons, and when he drives in seven more this season (93 so far), he'll become the first major league baseball player to ever have ten consecutive seasons of 30 home runs and 100 RBIs to begin their career.

The three-time National League MVP and nine-time All-Star has become one of the many faces of baseball. His at bats seem unfair to opposing pitchers who fear to pitch to him. They try anyway to try to stop him. Alas, there is no stopping "The Machine."

If Pujols continues this production, and can stay healthy, he could break Barry Bonds' Home Run record of 762* home runs. If Pujols were to break the record, he would be the first player to break Hank Aaron's true record of 755 home runs steroid free, unlike Bonds, an avid roider. If Alex Rodriguez (604 home runs, but was guilty of steroid use) breaks Bonds' record, Pujols could possibly eventually pass his eventual mark as well with a clean record. We could be watching the next home run king in Pujols.

Here's to a long, home run filled, storybook career to Albert Pujols.

Don't take Pujols for granted. He could be the last player we see with this talent for a long time.

*Bonds' 762 home runs passed Aaron, but are considered "tainted" due to his PED use. Many believe Aaron's record of 755 is the true record because it was done fairly. Alex Rodriguez is also a proven steroid user and admitted to so. If Rodriguez passes Bonds' mark, his record would also be "tainted." Pujols could pass both tainted records and be shown in the same light as Aaron.

Temporary Hiatus

I think the title says it all.

Be back in a few days.

This and that: Derrek Lee to Braves, Brett Favre, break

Some bits from yesterday...

- Yesterday, the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves agreed on a trade that would send All-Star power hitting first baseman Derrek Lee to Atlanta for three pitching prospects.

Lee, 34, is in the final year of his big money contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season. Due to Chipper Jones' ACL tear, the Braves felt the need to revamp their offense, and acquiring Lee fit the bill. Lee has dealt with injuries this year and is struggling this season, hitting just .251/.335/.416 with 16 home runs and 56 RBIs and will not likely reach the .306/35/111 line he posted last season. He projects to be a Type-B free agent and is currently resting some sore lower back problems. Oddly enough, his first Braves start will be against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The move for Lee allows current first baseman Troy Glaus (who was once a long time third baseman) to be placed on the DL to rehab some injuries and also take fielding practice at third base, where he will play in the absence of Jones.

In return, the Cubs get pitchers Tyrelle Harris, Robinson Lopez and Jefferey Lorick.

- I don't even want to write this one, but I have to: Brett Favre is coming back for another season. That's right. Again.

- Guys, I'm sorry about this once again, but I'm going to have to take another break from the blog. I've been swamped with work and school is starting soon so I really have to focus on that. I'm doing a whole bunch of things right now and just haven't had the time to write anything with the meaningfulness that I used to. I'm hoping a short break, as well as some relaxing time, can fix that. I'll be back writing soon enough, but until then the blog will be on temporary hiatus.

Francisco Rodriguez out for season, contract could be voided

Francisco Rodriguez is once again in the headlines.

A few days after being arrested for punching his father-in-law in the face, Rodriguez is now suffering the karma of his actions.

He could be placed on the disabled list today and will have season ending surgery on a torn ligament in his right thumb (his pitching hand), which he suffered in the altercation with the 53 year-old Carlos Pena. "K-Rod," will most likely go under the knife sometime this week.

The fight, in which Rodriguez was charged with second-degree harassment and third-degree assault, resulted in jail time for K-Rod, as well as a two-game suspension by the Mets which fined Rodriguez $125,000 and indefinite anger-management counseling. ESPN reports that Rodriguez, 28, "could be in line to forfeit the salary for the remainder of the season if a non-baseball event resulted in the injury, as is alleged."

On Saturday, Rodriguez made his first pitching appearance since the altercation during a 4-0 loss to the arch-rival Philadelphia Phillies. He was booed mercilessly by the Mets fans, who, along with suffering from another disappointing and underachieving season, now had to deal with the embarrassment of their star-closer. After the game, Rodriguez reported to the medical staff that he felt discomfort in his right hand.

According to Ed Coleman of WFAN 660 in New York, the Mets may try to void K-Rod's contract.

This season, Rodriguez posted a 2.20 ERA with 25 saves.

Yeesh, just when it couldn't get any worse for Mets fans.

UPDATE, 6:37 PM: MLBTradeRumors is reporting that the Mets are looking into voiding Rodriguez's contract.

2010 MLB Season Predictions (Seeing where I stand)

I just remembered that I never uploaded this. In February, I wrote an article for my school's newspaper titled "Predicting the 2010 MLB Season." I never got around to uploading to the blog, but I just remembered I had it, so I thought I'd post the original and then look to see where I stand. I can't say I'm dumb for making some of these picks, but honestly, who expected the Padres to be on top of the West and for the Mariners to suck?

Predicting The 2010 MLB Season

By Josh Handszer

39 days. This represents the amount of days until Spring Training is upon us and the baseball off-season is over. Matt Holliday’s staying put in St. Louis; Jason Bay has packed his bags for New York, and John Lackey’s gone across the country to Boston. The 2009 off-season has made for an interesting one to start off the new decade, with great players changing their addresses and teams improving to compete for the 2010 campaign. Although it is only January and pitchers and catchers are not to report until mid-February, it is time to offer up some predictions for the 2010 season:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

EAST

1. New York Yankees**

2. Boston Red Sox*

3. Tampa Bay Rays

4. Baltimore Orioles

5. Toronto Blue Jays

While I picked the Yankees to repeat and win the division, expect it to be much closer this year than last year, due to the great improvement by the Boston Red Sox. Expect John Lackey, Adrian Beltre, Marco Scutaro and Mike Cameron to help the Red Sox push even with the Yankees this season. While the Red Sox and Yankees draw even in the rotation, the Yankees offense is a force to be reckoned with. Adding the likes of Curtis Granderson and Nick Johnson will help the offense from the 2009 season prove greater this season, and the return of Javier Vazquez to the rotation will result in another Division Title. The Toronto Blue Jays, after trading all-star ace Roy Halladay, move down a place in the division to the improving Baltimore Orioles. Once again, expect the Yankees, to be the AL East champs, though slightly, and the Red Sox to follow them into the post-season with the Wild Card.

CENTRAL

1. Chicago White Sox**

2. Minnesota Twins

3. Detroit Tigers

4. Kansas City Royals

5. Cleveland Indians

Jake Peavy; the reason the Chicago White Sox will win the AL Central division. The American League Central division is usually a toss up, but a full season of the White Sox’s ace should prove otherwise. Already joining a formidable rotation that includes the likes of Mark Buehrle and John Danks, the White Sox will stomp on the hopes of back-to-back division titles by the Minnesota Twins and 2009 AL MVP, Joe Mauer, dismissing hopes of a division title in the first year of the new Target Field in Minnesota. After trading away two of their star players (Curtis Granderson to the Yankees and Edwin Jackson to the Arizona Diamondbacks) and losing all-star closer Fernando Rodney via free agency, the Detroit Tigers take a hit and place themselves lower in the division. The usual suspects in the growing Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians roam the bottom of the division.

WEST

1. Seattle Mariners**

2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

3. Texas Rangers

4. Oakland Athletics

Throughout the past decade, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have held the reigns of the AL West division. Expect the new decade to begin with a new West champion: The Seattle Mariners. This may prove to be one of the most greatly improved teams of the off-season. The Mariners signed Chone Figgins away from the Angels and acquired both former Philadelphia Phillies ace, Cliff Lee, and former all-star Milton Bradley in key trades. Expect the arrival of Lee to be the difference maker, as he joins a very young rotation that includes Cy Young award runner-up, Felix Hernandez. The improved offense should also prove the Mariners’ chances. The Angels, after losing two key players in former ace John Lackey and third baseman Chone Figgins, fall to second place. Expect the Texas Rangers to battle hard with the Angels for second place, and Oakland Athletics to follow behind. The West will be a very competitive division this season.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

EAST

1. Philadelphia Phillies**

2. Atlanta Braves

3. New York Mets

4. Florida Marlins

5. Washington Nationals

Do not expect the Phillies to be anywhere else but first place for a very long time. The Phillies made a major move this off-season that puts them in a class by themselves in the East: Acquiring former Toronto Blue Jays all-star hurler, Roy Halladay. Halladay is without a doubt the best pitcher in baseball right now. Despite having to include ace Cliff Lee and major prospects in a 3-team-trade with the Blue Jays and Mariners, the Phillies are without a doubt the winners of the East, acquiring the best pitcher and adding him to already a rotation that has seen the World Series twice in the past two seasons. The Atlanta Braves, after finishing strong last season, will win second place, however, after adding proven “good-luck charm” Eric Hinske, perhaps the Braves will make a run at the World Series (Hinske was on the World Series teams of the Red Sox in 2007, Rays in 2008, and Yankees in 2009.) Although the Mets added all-star outfielder Jason Bay, do not expect them to place higher than third place. It was only last year that the Mets were picked to win the NL East, but after a dismal 2009 season due to injuries and a questionable new ballpark in Citi Field, they placed fourth. So far this off-season they’ve added one of their needs, a power bat, but have neglected to fix their pitching by adding another serviceable starting pitcher. The surprising Marlins will fall back to Earth next year and place fourth with the dismal Nationals in the cellar of the East.

CENTRAL

1. St. Louis Cardinals**

2. Cincinnati Reds

3. Milwaukee Brewers

4. Houston Astros

5. Chicago Cubs

6. Pittsburgh Pirates

Be prepared for back-to-back division titles for the Cardinals. This off-season they were able to retain all-star outfielder Matt Holliday, who proved to be the difference maker last season in a division title, and serviceable starter Brad Penny to bolster the rotation. The 3-4 combination of 2009 NL MVP, Albert Pujols and Holliday should strike fear in the hearts of pitchers and the 1-2 combination of co-aces, Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter, should freeze up hitters. The Reds, coming off a decent season, should remain strong but will battle for second with the Milwaukee Brewers, who added former Dodgers pitcher Randy Wolf to go along with two great sluggers in Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. The Cubs, Reds, and Pirates will compete for fourth place but my gut tells me that the addition of Brett Myers will help the Astros reach this position.

WEST

1. San Francisco Giants**

2. Los Angeles Dodgers*

3. Colorado Rockies

4. San Diego Padres

5. Arizona Diamondbacks

The NL West; once considered a joke in the National League has shaped up to be a very competitive division after 2009. Pitching is the key to winning the West, and when it comes to pitching one team stands above all others in this division: The San Francisco Giants. With a young, dominant and improving rotation led by back-to-back Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum and all-star Matt Cain, the Giants have the best pitching staff in the West. While offense is somewhat of a concern, adding versatile third baseman Mark DeRosa to join a lineup with Pablo Sandoval and Freddy Sanchez should improve the Giants offense enough to help them push past the former division champion, Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers, although under Hall Of Fame manager Joe Torre, lack the power pitching that the Giants have. That does not seem to be the case for their offense. Led by Manny Ramirez and the surging young stars in Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, the Dodgers have a very good offense that could help them keep up with the Giants. Then there are the resurgent Colorado Rockies, two years removed from the 2007 World Series, who made a truly stunning run at the division in 2009, ultimately winning the wild card. Do not count the Rockies out in the West. The Padres and Diamondbacks, both going through the re-building process will fight it out at the bottom of the division.

POST-SEASON (PLAYOFFS)

ALDS

Yankees over White Sox in 4 games (3-1)

- The White Sox pitching will flounder and the Yankees offense, led by Mark Teixeira, will pounce on it.

ALDS

Mariners over Red Sox in 5 games (3-2)

- Expect a full series. A pitching duel of Hernandez vs. Lackey in game 5 will result in Seattle’s favor.

NLDS

Phillies over Dodgers in 4 games (3-1)

- Dodgers have historically no luck against the Phillies. Expect the Phillies offense to push them to the next round.

NLDS

Giants over Cardinals in 3 games (3-0)

- Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain will shut down the Cardinals offense, resulting in a quick sweep for the Giants.

ALCS

Yankees over Mariners in 6 games (4-2)

- Another long championship series for the defending world champions, expect the pitching to carry both sides and CC Sabathia and Javier Vazquez specifically, to shut down the Mariners.

NLCS

Giants over Phillies in 7 games (4-3)

- One would have expected to see a re-match of the Phillies and Yankees from 2009, but this will not be the case. Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain will once again shut down the offense and leave Phillies hitters in the dust. Pitching will also decide the outcome of this match-up.

WORLD SERIES

Wait, the Yankees and the Giants? Are you kidding?

No, that is my prediction. I feel that the team that has the strongest pitching will capitalize and make it to the fall classic. Now the Phillies certainly have good pitching, and two years worth of post season and World Series experience. But after Roy Halladay in the rotation, since Cliff Lee was traded (and was dominant last season) who pitches Game 2? Cole Hamels? He had a terrible season last year as well as a terrible post season, but maybe he if he can rebound, the Phillies might just quite make it. But what else do the Phillies have in that rotation that you fear can shut down a team? Joe Blanton? Nope. Jamie Moyer? J.A. Happ? Not quite. Only if these pitchers can suddenly pitch with shut down stuff can you count on the Phillies. There can even be questions about Halladay, as he has never once in his professional career pitched a single game in the postseason having to deal with the immense pressure of a playoff game. One never knows how a pitcher will react. The Phillies have a dominant offense, probably the best in the National League, but after Halladay what do you have if you are the Phillies? There are too many ifs in the rotation; however, if Cole Hamels can repeat his success from 2008, then I can see the Phillies going back to the World Series. The same can be said for Lincecum and Cain and mainly the whole Giants team. Neither of the two pitchers have any postseason experience. However, they are two of the best pitchers in the NL and have shutdown stuff. If you want to win a postseason series, your team must have at least two starters who are shutdown pitchers, in other words they have to be HOT at the time (example: Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling (2001), Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine (1995), Brad Penny and Josh Beckett (2003).) It is tough to not pick the Phillies, but this is a prediction. You never quite know how the pressure can affect a pitcher. You truly cannot predict baseball exactly. That is why the name of the game is PITCHING.

Yankees over Giants in 7 games (4-3)

- After dominating offense in the two rounds prior, Lincecum and Cain will continue their dominance in the World Series. The Yankees pitching will in turn shut down the young Giants hitters. This will be a low-scoring World Series that will head in favor of the Yankees making them back-to-back World Champions.

ACCOLADES

American League MVP-

Mark Teixeira, 1B,

New York Yankees

National League MVP-

Ryan Braun, OF,

Milwaukee Brewers

American League Cy Young-

Justin Verlander, SP,

Detroit Tigers

National League Cy Young-

Tim Lincecum, SP,

San Francisco Giants

American League Rookie of the Year-

Neftali Feliz, SP,

Texas Rangers

National League Rookie of the Year-

Jason Heyward, OF,
Atlanta Braves

While in the end this may not all prove to be true, it is certainly fun to speculate the outcomes of a sports season. Hang onto your seatbelts because 2010 is going to be one crazy season of ups and downs to start the decade. 39 days. That’s the amount of days until Spring Training is upon us and the baseball off-season is over.

(**- Division Champion, * - Wild Card)

So obviously there are some changes.

AL EAST REAL STANDINGS

1. Yankees
2. Rays
3. Red Sox
4. Blue Jays
5. Orioles

AL CENTRAL REAL STANDINGS

1. Twins
2. White Sox
3. Tigers
4. Royals
5. Indians

AL WEST REAL STANDINGS

1. Rangers
2. Angels
3. Athletics
4. Mariners

NL EAST REAL STANDINGS

1. Braves
2. Phillies
3. Mets
4. Marlins
5. Nationals

NL CENTRAL REAL STANDINGS

1. Reds
2. Cardinals
3. Brewers
4. Astros
5. Cubs
6. Pirates

NL WEST REAL STANDINGS

1. Padres
2. Giants
3. Rockies
4. Dodgers
5. Diamondbacks

Alright, so nothing crazy. I think I could be right by the end of the season though. We'll check back then.

Draft Pick Signing Deadline and opening of New Medowlands Stadium

Major League Baseball teams have until midnight tonight to sign their draft picks from the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft. It's worth noting that there are 15 first-round picks who have yet to sign, the most notable being the Washington Nationals' no. 1 overall pick Bryce Harper. The list is as follows:

1. Bryce Harper, Nationals
2. Jameson Taillon, Pirates
3. Manny Machado, Orioles
4. Drew Pomeranz, Indians
5. Barret Loux, Diamondbacks
6. Matt Harvey, Mets
7. Karsten Whitson, Padres
8. Deck McGuire, Blue Jays
9. Yasmani Grandal, Reds
10. Dylan Covey, Brewers
11. Josh Sale, Rays
12. Christian Yelich, Marlins
13. Zack Cox, Cardinals
14. Kyle Parker, Rockies
15. Zach Lee, Dodgers

Indications are that Harper and Taillon, the first two picks in the draft, will sign before the deadline for big money contracts. Many expect Harper to get more than the record $15 million that the Nationals gave last year's no. 1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg.

As for me, I'll cross out the names of those who sign, as well as their figures.

As well, tonight at 8:00 PM the New York Giants and New York Jets will face-off in the first game at the New Medowlands Stadium. I'll be watching that game too. Should be a good one.

Making the case for Alex Cora

Before the trade deadline, the New York Yankees were reportedly looking for some infield bench help. Throughout the final weeks prior to the deadline they were linked to names such as Ty Wigginton, Jhonny Peralta, Ryan Theriot, and even attempted to re-acquire Jerry Hairston Jr. They desperately searched for an upgrade over "all-defense-no-bat" Ramiro Pena, but the Yankees failed to execute a trade for a bench infielder. However, last week a move was made, and now the Yankees could acquire a proven veteran infielder for the major league minimum salary: Alex Cora.


Last week the New York Mets released infielder Alex Cora, a move that was somewhat surprising, but also unsurprising.

A longtime bench player and middle infielder who broke in with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1998 (he started for the Dodgers from 2000-2004), Cora has played second base, shortstop, third base, first base, and left field in his career over 13 seasons spent with the Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox and Mets. While versatile to say the least, Cora, 34, was in the midst of one of his worst seasons, hitting just .207/.265/.278 through 62 games, without a home run. Always known to be a reliable defense player, he only made two errors this season while playing second base, shortstop and first base. In his career, he has a career fielding percentage of .971, committing just 102 errors in 8044.0 innings over 13 seasons.

While not known to be a power hitter or high-average contact hitter, Cora will occasionally hit some homers, belting a career-high 10 in 2004 while playing second base everyday for the Dodgers. He has a career batting average of .244, attributing to a career-season average of .244/5/39. After 2004, he signed with the Indians and was later traded to the Red Sox, where he defined his role as a middle infield bench player, hitting a career .256 while playing stellar defense. Cora was part of the 2007 Red Sox World Championship team.

Cora has playoff experience, taking part in the '04, '05, '06, '07, and '08 playoff series but has just a career average of .154, which is respectable, since has been playing off of the bench during games and had not been playing everyday. Cora has also experienced pressure: playing in the World Series, Game 7 of the 2008 ALCS, and in the powerful American League East.

Cora's playoff experience, defense, and ability to hit at about .240 (despite having an off-year) could help his case if the Yankees were to sign him, which I would support. As well, having played in the AL East has proved to be a challenge to some players who can't handle the pressure, but Cora has dealt with the pressures and produced in the division, which shows he wouldn't feel pressured when playing close games against the Red Sox and Rays.

Since Cora had been released by the Mets, and not designated for assignment, that means that he is a free agent and that a team could sign him for the major league minimum salary of $400K. There's always some suspicion when a below .500 team releases a player, but Cora, simply put, was not having a good season.

While Pena is younger (24), and also makes some great plays on defense (4 errors this season), he isn't as reliable with the bat as Cora is, which is why I would feel more comfortable with Cora at the plate. While Cora's line isn't much better than Pena's .204/.240/.214, I think that Cora would insure a greater chance to produce at the plate given his history. Pena's inability to hit and lack of playoff experience are his only true cons, as he and Cora are basically the same player (seriously, look: Pena / Cora). While I like Pena a lot because he's a good kid and Yankee farmhand who is getting a shot to play in the majors (which is a rarity), I do, however, like Cora's bat more off of the bench, as well as his versatility and defense. Getting a player like Cora for practically nothing is a pure depth move.

So have at it, should the Yankees sign Alex Cora?

OF Jim Edmonds traded to Cincinnati Reds by Milwaukee Brewers for OF Chris Dickerson

In a surprising waiver trade today, the Milwaukee Brewers sent former longtime St. Louis Cardinals' OF Jim Edmonds to the Cincinnati Reds for OF Chris Dickerson. Edmonds, 40, has truly been one of the greater stories in baseball this season.

After compiling an amazing resume (seriously, check it out) with the California/Anaheim Angels and Cardinals, Edmonds spent 2008 with the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs before taking the 2009 season off. A dynamic player who combined stellar defense with great hitting, Edmonds was a great talent in his prime years.

It appeared as though Edmonds was done, as injuries and age had taken their toll on Edmonds' play since the 2006 season. Nonetheless, Edmonds was willing to give it the ol' college try and received a minor league contract with an invitation as a non-roster player to spring training by the Milwaukee Brewers prior to the 2010 season.

Many thought Edmonds wouldn't make the team out of spring training and would retire if sent to the minors.

It wasn't the case.

Edmonds put on a show in spring training and made the Brewers' major league club out of spring training. This season, while spending time in CF, RF, and 1B, Edmonds has been a bench player for the Brewers. He's battled Achilles tendon issues recently, always a scary topic, but Edmonds has posted a .286 batting average with 8 home runs and 20 RBIs in 73 games this season; not too bad for an old guy who missed the entire 2009 season huh? He'll head to the surprising and exciting first place Reds, who, ironically, are playing the Cardinals. Edmonds is without a doubt excited.

“Coming right in here to play the Cardinals, it is going to be a little nuts,” said Edmonds. “I’m looking forward to the challenge and I appreciate the respect I have from the guys on this team. I’ve played against them for so many years and this seems like a real good group of guys that is really talented. I’m just coming here to help out with some veteran leadership, play when I can and help the guys try to win.

“My Achilles tendon is still sore, but I’m dealing with it. I’ve talked to Walt about it and both he and Dusty know about it,” Edmonds added. As far as being accepted in Cincinnati, Edmonds said, “As long as it isn’t as bad as it was in Chicago, I’ll be fine. The media killed me there until I hit my first home run.

“I love hitting in this park, love to play here,” he said. “They have great fans and it’s a good city. I don’t care about playing time. I just want to play when I can and help out - whether it’s pinch-hitting or playing every day or playing two days a week. All I care about is playing a little bit and helping out.”

(hat tip to the Dayton Daily News' Hal McCoy)

In return, Cincinnati will send Dickerson, a 28 year-old left handed hitting outfielder who was ranked the Reds' 11th best prospect prior to 2009 by Baseball America. He's made contributions in the major leagues, seeing playing time in 2008, 2009 and 2010. He's got a solid bat without much power, hitting .304 with 6 home runs and .275 with 2 home runs in 2008 and 2009, respectively, but struggled with hand issues in 2010, hitting just .222 before being sent to Triple-AAA on a rehab assignment. He's caught absolute fire during his rehab stint, hitting .442 in 13 games with 3 home runs.

It's a really good trade for the Reds, who acquire Edmonds, a player who could greatly help them on their stretch run, for Dickerson, a player who will never see full playing time in their outfield.

Guess who's back? Baseball bits: Wakamatsu, Carter, Coghlan, Arencibia, Sale, Morrow

Lots of baseball news today as I return to the blogosphere...

- In a move that surprised many, the Seattle Mariners fired Manager Don Wakamatsu. Wakamatsu, who was named manager prior to the 2009 season, and a dismal Mariners team, that was supposed to be the dark horse contender in the American League West thanks to a revamped (now disbanded) roster, sit at 42-70 in last place sporting the second-worst record in the American League, thanks only to the struggle of the Baltimore Orioles. As well, Seattle fired pitching coach Rick Adair, performance coach Steve Hecht and bench coach Ty Van Burkleo

"I'll be all right," the 47-year-old Wakamatsu said. "I've been in this game a long time, and I have a lot of people pulling for me -- most of all my family."

Wakamatsu, the first Japanese manager in baseball, joins the Florida Marlins' Fredi Gonzalez, Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Hinch, Baltimore Orioles' Dave Trembley, and the Kansas City Royals' Trey Hillman on the list of managers who have been fired this season.

In his managerial career, which began in 2009, he is 127-147 lifetime. In his first season as manager in 2009, Wakamatsu led the Mariners to an 85-77 record after finishing 61-101 in 2008. There was much promise for the 2010 Mariners, who sported an opening roster that consisted of newbies ace LHP Cliff Lee, OF Milton Bradley, and 2B Chone Figgins to combine with the likes of RHP Felix Hernandez and OF Ichiro Suzuki & Franklin Gutierrez. However, the team on paper was not the team on the field. The Mariners struggled early and continued to slide, ultimately watching as Lee was traded to Texas, Bradley dealt with injuries and anger issues, and Figgins, for lack of a better term, sucked and butted heads with Wakamatsu.

"I have concluded that these changes needed to be made now and that they are in the best interest of the Mariners as we move forward," Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "Don, Ty and Rick are all good baseball men and they have done their very best. But we are where we are. I no longer have confidence that Don, Ty and Rick are the right long-term fit for our organization. New leadership is needed and it is needed now."

"Everybody is evaluated at all times," he said. "As we go forward, you have to realize there is always an evaluation process going on at all times. You take a week at a time, a month at a time, a season at a time with everyone."

Wakamatsu's new replacement, Daren Brown, who managed the Triple-AAA Tacoma team for the Mariners' farm the past three seasons, will begin his career tonight as interim manager against the Oakland Athletics. Roger Hansen, the Mariners' minor league catching coordinator, will be Brown's bench coach, while Carl Willis, the Mariners' minor league pitching coordinator, will be his pitching coach.

Wakamatsu, a catcher, was an 11th round draft pick in 1985 by the Cincinnati Reds, played 11 seasons in professional baseball, mainly in the minor leagues in the farm systems of the Reds, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, Mariners, and Milwaukee Brewers before retiring in 1996. He appeared in the major leagues in 1995 with the Chicago White Sox and played in just 18 games while hitting .226.

It's unknown whether Wakamatsu will manage in 2011.

- The Oakland Athletics, although 7.5 games back and in second place in the AL West, aren't calling it quits just yet. While the division leading Texas Rangers look like the favorites to seal up the division, the A's are giving it one last fighting chance by promoting top prospect first baseman Chris Carter today from Triple-AAA Sacramento, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Carter, 23, was part of the six-player package, which included RHP Brett Anderson and SASWFM favorite OF Carlos Gonzalez, from the Arizona Diamondbacks to Oakland for RHP Dan Haren in 2007. Originally a 15th round draft pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2005, he was traded to Arizona for OF Carlos Quentin during the 2007 off season and flipped to Oakland.

A power-hitting first baseman who ranked #28 on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list prior to 2010, Carter has transformed himself into an elite home run hitter. He flew up prospect lists in 2007, while playing in the White Sox's farm system Single-A team, belting 25 home runs and sporting a .291 average before he was traded to Arizona and later Oakland. He proved 2007 was no fluke by breaking out in 2008, hitting 39 home runs with 104 RBIs for Oakland's Single-A+ Stockton. As a result, he ranked #76 on the top prospect list. In 2009, he continued to dominate, hitting 28 home runs with a .329 average and 115 RBIs between AA-AAA and moving up to #28 on the top prospect list.

Before his call-up today, he was hitting .262 with 27 home runs and 89 RBIs for Triple-AAA while playing 94 games at first base and 20 split in right and left field. Due to the recent injuries of 1B Daric Barton, LF Matt Watson, and INF Adam Rosales, Carter's call-up was almost a no-brainer. He will make his debut tonight and joins an elite 2010 Rookie Class. The scary thing? That's not even the whole class: Pedro Alvarez, among others, is missing from the list.

- Florida Marlins' LF Chris Coghlan will undergo surgery on his left knee Wednesday, after injuring himself in a walk-off celebration on July 25 when delivering a celebratory pie-in-the-face to teammate Wes Helms. Coghlan, who thought he would be able to rehab the injury, could miss the remainder of the season.

"I went out there and threw three days ago, and I think that's when it really hit me that, 'OK, I'm not going to be able to do this,' " he said Sunday. "I had too much sharp pain in my knee."

"It matters more to the public how you get injured, especially with the circumstances of how it happened to me," Coghlan said. "But to me the bottom line is I was injured, and it's disappointing. It's tough watching your team going out there and compete, and you're not able to help."

Coghlan, the 2009 NL Rookie of the Year, was hitting .268 with 5 home runs and 28 RBIs through 91 games in the outfield for the Marlins. While he has played primarily OF in the major leagues, he played second base in the minor leagues. Due to the recent emergence of top prospects Logan Morrison and Mike Stanton in the corner outfield spots, along with once top prospect CF Cameron Maybin waiting in the wings to re-establish himself, Coghlan seems to be the odd-man out in the outfield. There was talk of the Marlins trading All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla due to contract issues and moving Coghlan to second base, but instead they traded 3B Jorge Cantu to Texas, and want Coghlan to be the club's starting third baseman once he returns from injury. Coghlan, however, hasn't put any thought on the recent demands.

"Right now I haven't even focused on that -- too much focus on my knee," he said. "Let me get surgery and let me get back. Obviously as that process goes on, I'll be thinking more about third base."

The recovery, which is estimated at four-to-eight weeks, could allow Coghlan to possibly return at the end of the season for a few games, which very well could be at third base. The Marlins, who sit 9.5 games out and in fourth place in the NL East, aren't giving up hope yet, and neither is Coghlan.

"I will do everything in my power to get back healthy as quick as I can," he said.

- Lastly, here are some things I enjoyed after this interesting week in baseball:

1. How about that debut for Toronto Blue Jays' catching prospect J.P. Arencibia huh? 4-5 with 2 home runs in his debut? Wowzers. I don't think you could honestly have a better debut.

Well, unless you're this guy.


2. Did you hear about LHP Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox?

Talk about skyrocketing...

Sale, the South Siders' first round (13th overall) pick in the 2010 draft in June, made his major league debut on August 6th. He pitched in just 11 games in the minors for A+ and AAA combined, going 0-0 with a 2.61 ERA, striking out 19 in 10.1 innings for a (inflated due to service time) 21.3 k/9 rate. The tall, lanky lefty is the first player from the 2010 draft making the jump from A+ to AAA to the majors.

"First time I see this guy on tape I said 'Why don't we have him tomorrow?'" White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I like what I see on tape. He's got a lot of guts. We're excited to have him."

"Being here is an honor and a privilege," Sale, 21, said, "and I'm going to do everything I can to stay up here. These are important outings. It's not like we're 10 games back or 10 games up. If I get into a game, it's the real deal. I have to perform well."

He's off to a good start, giving up just one hit and one walk in 0.0 innings (one game, he didn't get any outs). Put him in the Hall Of Fame already .


3. Uh, the Toronto Blue Jays' RHP Brandon Morrow's performance Sunday? A complete game with 17 strikeouts is awfully nice, but losing the no-hitter in the 9th with two outs will sting, especially when that was an easy play that 2B Aaron Hill should have had. Nonetheless, he beat the Tampa Rays, which is good for the Yankee fans, as they are on a five game losing streak and now sit 2.5 games out. If the Rays had been no-hit, it would have been the fifth time they were involved in a no-hitter in the past two seasons. Wow.

"Oh, Canada" indeed.

Busy, busy, busy...

Hey guys,

I know that I haven't been pumping out posts constantly and I'm really sorry about that, especially to those who read daily.

I've been busy like crazy: working everyday, college essays, and studying for SATs and I just haven't really had the time to write the posts as much I used to be able to. I'm going to try to do as much as I can, but I can't promise three or four posts per day. I'm wiped.

Hopefully once things are all said and done, everything will go back to normal. In fact, I guarantee everything will be fine.

Until next time,
Josh

Waiver News, 200th post

Although the Non-Waiver Trading Deadline is over, it doesn't mean trades can't be made.

You can read the rules of the the Waiver Trading Deadline here. It's a very difficult and tricky topic to tackle, but basically if a player is put on waivers and is passed by all 30 Major League Baseball teams, he can be traded to another team. The Waiver Deadline is August 31.

And although we're just four days into August, we've had a few moves.

- The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed RHP Chan Ho Park, 37, off of waivers from the New York Yankees today. Park, who was designated for assignment by New York on July 31 after the Yanks acquired RHP Kerry Wood from the Cleveland Indians, has struggled this season, posting a 5.60 ERA in 35.1 innings. His biggest problem this season has been his knack to give up the homer, which he's done seven times thus far, after giving up none last season for the Philadelphia Phillies. He's scheduled to hit free agency after this season.

Pittsburgh also claimed RHP Chris Resop from the Atlanta Braves. Resop, 27, had a 2.09 ERA, 10.0 K/9, and 3.5 BB/9 at Triple-AAA this year. He'll join the newly acquired Park in the pen.

- An American League team has placed a waiver claim on Boston Red Sox's closer, RHP Jonathan Papelbon. Papelbon has struggled mightily this season, posting a 2.98 ERA and 7.7 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9, the lowest rates of his career. The ERA is also his career-high. He's got 25 saves, which is respectful, but he hasn't been "Papelbon-esque." The 29 year-old righty hasn't exactly struck fear in the thoughts of opposing batters this year. It's unlikely that Boston would trade their closer. In that case, he'll be pulled off waivers by the Red Sox.

Pap's teammate, 3B/1B Mike Lowell was also placed on waivers, but no claims yet.

- The Phillies acquired 1B/DH Mike Sweeney from the Seattle Mariners for a player to be named later/cash due to the recent injury of 1B Ryan Howard. Howard was placed on the 15-day DL yesterday after spraining his ankle. Sweeney will likely rotate at first base and be on the bench once Howard returns. Sweeney, 37, spent most of his career as the captain of the Kansas City Royals but injuries have taken a toll on his career. He has hit a respectable .263/.327/.475 with 6 home runs and 18 RBIs in 30 games before hitting the DL with back spasms. He was activated today and then traded. Sweeney makes just $650K before becoming a free agent.


On a side note: This was my 200th post! :D

The countdown to 300 begins....

Alex Rodriguez hits long-awaited 600th career home run

He finally did it.

He went 46 at bats without a home run, the longest stretch ever between milestones, but he got it done.

Yes, on August 4, 2010 the New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, 35, hit his 600th career home run, making him the youngest to ever reach the milestone. An 0-2 pitch from the Toronto Blue Jays' Shaun Marcum flew like a bullet to straight away center field, landing, ironically, in Monument Park, where Rodriguez will eventually be enshrined. Also, Rodriguez's 600th home run came exactly three years to the day that he hit his 500th home run in 2007.

He now joins a list of seven players who have hit 600 or more home runs, which includes Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and the Home Run King, Barry Bonds.

"Congratulations to Alex on this great achievement and on adding another highlight to Yankees history. We are especially proud he accomplished this feat as a Yankee and here before the most loyal fans in baseball," said Yankees' co-owner Hal Steinbrenner.

"When you reach that plateau, no matter where it is, whether you're playing in the Majors or the Minors, it's a tremendous accomplishment," former Home Run Champ Hank Aaron said. "It means an awful lot to whoever reaches this achievement."

Rodriguez, who endured an 0-17 before today's game, was no doubt struggling. But with one swing of the bat, Derek Jeter on first base, and the crack of a baseball hitting wood, a 600 lb gorilla (see what I did there?) was dropped off of his shoulders.

"It's definitely a special number," Rodriguez said. "I'm certainly proud of it. I'll treasure it for a long, long time. Many years from today, I'll be able to reflect a lot better. Today, the focus was that we needed to win. It was good to do it in a winning fashion and to be able to hit it at home."

"So much has changed, for me, for my place in that clubhouse," Rodriguez said. "That's the No. 1 thing that's changed -- my relationship with my teammates. The journey is what's fun, and playing with a team like that, with my teammates, I'm just in a good place. I'm enjoying playing the game, I'm enjoying playing good team baseball. It's much different than 500."

"There's no question I was pressing -- I wanted to get it out of the way to get back to playing good team baseball," Rodriguez said. "My plan [on Wednesday] for the first time was just drive in a run, get a base hit, hit it hard somewhere."

"It sure has been awhile, but it definitely felt good to get a big home run and help us win," he said.

"I just wanted to get a base hit," he added. "My teammates wanted me to go out there and relax."

"I'm at peace with my game," Rodriguez said. "I'm at peace with myself."

Well said, Alex.

Congrats to A-Rod, the eventual home run king.

Third Time's a Charm: Brett Favre retiring

For the third time in his illustrious career, QB Brett Favre of the Minnesota Vikings is announcing his retirement.

The announcement, which was announced today by text messages that Favre sent to teammates, which read, "This is it."

So Favre is retiring....again. We've seen this show before.

After the 2007 season, which he spent with the Green Bay Packets, Favre announced his retirement. Then he repealed it. Then the Packers traded him to the New York Jets for the 2008 season. After 2008, Favre said he was retiring again and that this would be it. Didn't last long, as he repealed the retirement again and signed a 2-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings for the 2009 season.

We'll see how long this lasts.

What's the best way to hit for the cycle? Just ask Carlos Gonzalez

I turned on MLB Network at the right time last night.

The network, which carries cameras in each ballpark, flipped to the Rockies game at exactly the perfect moment. I watched closely and witnessed history...

In last night's Colorado Rockies vs. Chicago Cubs match-up, Carlos Gonzalez came to the plate to lead-off in the bottom of the 9th inning, game tied 5-5, the pressure building.

But the pressure wasn't just to win the game.

As "CarGo" stepped into the box, he was one hit shy of the cycle. He had singled, doubled, and tripled in three trips to the plate (3-3) but was missing the big one. The big fly.

So yeah, you could say there was just some pressure on the 24 year-old outfielder.

Of course Rockies fans wanted to see Gonzalez hit for the cycle, but fans also wanted to see what was more important, which was winning the game.

Luckily the fans, and myself, got to see both live.

On the first pitch of the 9th inning from Cubs' reliever Sean Marshall, Gonzalez unloaded on a 93 mph hanging inside fastball which shot, like a cannon, into the upper right field deck at Coors Field. The fans went insane. Pandemonium in the Rocky Mountains. Not only had Gonzalez hit for the cycle, but he had won the game, also capping a 4-4 night.

"I put a really good swing on the ball," Gonzalez said. "The pitch helped me. It was 90-something, inside, and I put it right on the barrel."

"That was unbelievable," Gonzalez said. "It was a great feeling. All the crowd screaming, it's a moment you just want to pass out because you don't know what to do. Just try to get with my teammates and celebrate."

"He's a good hitter," Marshall said. "He's locked in right now. He's putting good swings on bad pitches and good swings on good pitches. He's probably the guy in the lineup that we didn't want to beat us. I went in and challenged him and he beat me."

For Gonzalez, he joined the club of four cycles this season, as well as hitting the sixth cycle in Colorado Rockies history. It was his first walk-off home run and his fourth home run in as many games.

Gonzalez, who was acquired by the Oakland Athletics from the Arizona Diamondbacks prior to 2008 in the Dan Haren trade, and was then traded to the Colorado Rockies for Matt Holliday prior to 2009, has blossomed into the player most thought he would become. This season has been a career-year for Gonzalez, as he's hitting .321/.350/.554 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs in 92 games, a career-high in each category.

"I heard everyone saying I was going to do it," Gonzalez said. "You just believe in yourself. I guess it was meant to be. It was my night, it was the Rockies' night."

You can't do it much better than that. A storybook ending.

So, who are you gonna call when you want to know the best way to hit for the cycle?

CarGo.

One trade we missed: C Jarrod Saltalamacchia to the Red Sox

After the 4 PM trading deadline, I figured no other big names would be moved. With that in mind, I logged out and shut down the computer and went out for a break. There's only so much you can take on deadline day. When I arrived home I realized that there was one trade that I had missed, that being the trade of Texas Rangers' catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to the Boston Red Sox for two minor leaguers, a player to be named later and cash.

"Salty," a former first round pick (36th overall) in the 2003 by the Atlanta Braves, was acquired by Texas with SS Elvis Andrus, RHP Neftali Feliz, RHP Matt Harison and pitcher Beau Jones in the deal that sent Mark Teixeira to Atlanta. While the trade has been regarded as one of the worst trades in Braves history (all the players with the exception of Jones are successful big leaguers), Salty hasn't made it seem as though losing him was a blow. With the Braves already having an All-Star catcher in Brian McCann, Salty was expendable. Since his trade to the Rangers, injuries have taken their toll on his career and Salty hasn't lived up to the expectations that surrounded him as a first round pick and top prospect in the Braves organization.

Saltalamacchia made his debut in 2007 for the Braves, hitting .284 with 4 home runs and 12 RBIs, while striking out just 28 times in 141 at-bats. A solid start for a rookie, Braves fans expected, with McCann at catcher, the team would transition Salty to first base for the long-term. Never happened. In July, he was traded to Texas for Teixeira. In Teixeira, the Braves felt they had a World Series caliber team that could make the playoffs for the first time since 2005. It would not be so, as the Braves imploded, and finished third in the NL East behind the New York Mets and division winning Philadelphia Phillies. Meanwhile, Salty thrived in Texas, hitting .251 with 7 home runs and 21 RBIs in 46 games as both a catcher and first baseman. When the season ended, many thought Salty was primed to show his talent for 2008. However, Saltalamacchia struggled in 2008, playing in just 61 games and posting a .253 average with 3 home runs and 26 RBIs because he lost the starting catching job to Gerald Laird, resulting in a demotion to Triple-AAA before he was called back up in August. It's also worth noting in 2008 that the Braves traded Teixeira at the trade deadline and that, although Salty was struggling, Braves fans felt cheated at what they gave up for a year of Tex.

2009 looked like Salty had returned to form, as he was hitting just .233, but had 9 home runs and 34 RBIs in 84 games through August. However, on August 15 he suffered a severe shoulder injury which would end his season and require surgery. With a revamped Saltalamacchia for the 2010 season, many wondered if this would be the 25 year-old's chance. It would not be so, as on the second day of the season, Salty hit the DL as he was having trouble throwing the ball back to the pitcher as a result of his shoulder surgery. On April 27, he was activated from the DL and sent down to Triple-AAA, appearing in only two games for the Rangers this season. In Triple-AAA Oklahoma City, Salty is hitting .244 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs while playing in 63 games, 55 at catcher.

Yesterday, he was traded to the Red Sox for RHP Roman Mendez and 1B Chris McGuiness. Immediately upon his trade to the Red Sox, Saltalamacchia, who holds the record for the longest name in baseball history, was optioned to Triple-AAA Pawtucket. He'll continue to rehab his shoulder in the minors, but will likely get a call up this season due to the injuries that have succumbed the Red Sox to a third place hold.

“We’d scouted him heavily this year,” Sox general manager Theo Epstein said. “He was obviously a guy we’d liked a lot in the past who came with a really heavy price tag in the past. He’s someone we hope we’re buying low on right now as he’s battling a few different issues.”

“We had scouts on him right until the deadline,” Epstein said. “He’s throwing the ball back to the pitcher fine, throwing to the bases pretty well. We feel like he’s a classic guy with a high ceiling who needs a change of scenery. He’d kind of been butting heads with the organization over there a little bit. He’s a guy we think we can work with to unleash that potential.”

“He may end up being a move that helps us in the short term,” Epstein said. “He’s definitely someone that we think has a chance to impact the organization in the long term.”

Mendez, 20, was ranked the Red Sox's 23rd best prospect. An international signing in 2008 out of the Dominican Republic, Mendez has struggled this year: a 2-5 record and 6.56 ERA in 14 starts between A and A-. He's a power pitcher though, striking out 53 in 48.0 innings this year, resulting in a 9.9 k/10 rate. Reportedly, he has touched 97 mph on the radar gun. A sure future mid-rotation starter.

McGuiness, 22, was the Red Sox's 13th round pick in the 2009 draft. A first baseman by trade, he struggled in his first pro season in 2009, hitting just .245 with 6 home runs and 39 RBIs in 60 games for A and A-. This season however, he's turned it on, hitting .298 with 11 home runs and 46 RBIs in 78 games for Single-A Greenville. He's not listed in their top prospects, but if he continues to tear it up, you could very well see him there come next season. The one player I think of when I see McGuiness' stats: Lars Anderson, another Red Sox top prospect.

I think this was a good trade for Salty and the Sox. A change of scenery could definitely always help in improving his career and living up to the expectations that were set for him in Atlanta and Texas. For the Red Sox, Salty, if he can improve, gives them a young, long-term catcher which would allow them to let catcher Victor Martinez walk via free agency. It's big gamble and risk, but for what the Red Sox gave up, it could turn out to be one of the best moves they'll ever make.